Tag Archives: summer vacation

Packing Tips for your Summer Vacation

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Preparing for a summer vacation is an exciting endeavor as it presents an opportunity to escape the daily grind and unwind in beautiful destinations. However, to fully savor the experience, it is essential to master the art of packing. Properly packing everything you will need not only makes for a comfortable and stress-free trip, but also allows you to make the most of your time away.

With that in mind, here are some valuable tips to consider before embarking on your summer adventure:

Make a list. This will help you to avoid overpacking and ensure you don’t forget anything important. It’s also a good idea to plan out your outfits for each day of your trip, so you can be sure you have the right clothing for each occasion.

Pack versatile clothing. Make sure you bring a mix of casual and dressy clothing so you’ll be ready for any occasion. Avoid packing items that are too specific for one particular event or activity. Instead, opt for items that can be mixed and matched and worn in multiple ways. This includes you pajamas. Pack a couple pairs of comfortable pajamas so you’ll have something cozy to wear at night and can choose the right option for the temperatures.

Check the weather forecast for your destination. Knowing the forecast helps you prepare for unexpected weather changes, such as carrying a light rain jacket or umbrella. By focusing on versatile and comfortable clothing and accessories, you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest, prepared for whatever Mother Nature may bring.

Bring your essentials. These include your passport, ID, credit cards, and cash, which are vital for smooth travel and transactions. Don’t forget to pack any necessary medications and keep them alongside a copy of your insurance card. To ensure their safety and easy accessibility, consider utilizing a secure and convenient storage option like a money belt or a small cross-body bag.

Plan for medical needs. Band-aids, pain relievers, and other over-the-counter medications can come in handy when you are in an unfamiliar place. You should also pack any prescription medication you may need, as well as any other health-related items such as allergy medication or insect repellent.

Don’t forget your pets. When traveling with pets, ensure their comfort and well-being by packing their essentials such as food, water, bowls, toys, and bedding. Remember to bring identification tags, vaccination records, and travel documents. If traveling by car, secure them with a carrier or restraint, and if flying, check airline regulations for pet carriers. Research pet-friendly accommodations in advance and keep their supplies in one dedicated bag. If your pets are staying home, plan for their care with a trusted pet sitter or boarding facility, ensuring they have enough food, medication, and attention during your absence.

Take a reusable water bottle. It will come in handy for staying hydrated throughout the day. Not only is it better for the environment, but it will also save you money on expensive bottled water.

Include a smaller bag for day trips. A compact bag is perfect for carrying essential items such as sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle and ensures you have everything you need for a day of exploration. Think about a lightweight bag that can be worn as a backpack or a shoulder bag, and one with multiple pockets or compartments, allowing you to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible.

Carry a book or a journal. This is a great way to pass the time on long journeys or to relax on the beach or campground. A good book can be a great way to unwind and escape and if you want to reflect on your adventure, a journal is a must to document your adventures, thoughts, and memorable moments.

Embrace the opportunity to escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the beauty and relaxation that await. By thoughtfully packing your essentials and considering the unique experiences that lie ahead, you can embark on a journey filled with comfort, style, and delightful surprises. So, get ready to bask in the sun, explore new horizons, and cherish the moments that make your summer vacation truly unforgettable. Bon voyage!

Start planning now to manage the end of the school year

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The last few crazy weeks of the school year are here and there’s lots to do which can make for some hectic times. With so much to look forward to this summer, it’s best to take a deep breath and get organized now so you can coast into vacation time stress-free.

These tips will help get you on track and focused even before the final tests have been taken and the kid’s lockers have been cleaned out.

Spring Fever

Manage Spring Fever. The weather is getting nicer and the end of the school year is near which can make for antsy, distracted kids. Keep them focused on finishing the year strong by sticking to routines and reinforcing the fact that they only have a few short weeks left. Encourage children to make an extra effort with praise or even a small reward for a job well done.

Babysitter

Organize for Child Care. If you will need to rely on child care this summer now is a good time to start planning. Make a list of important things the babysitter will need to know like allergies, dietary restrictions, emergency phone numbers, and your doctor’s contact information. It’s always a great idea to tell your neighbors about your child care arrangements so they can be an extra set of eyes. Make sure your child care provider knows what your kids like to do for fun so that they can plan fun activities and outings as well.

Camp

Consider Summer Camp. With so many types of summer camps available there is sure to be something that would be perfect for your child. Once you determine which camp they will attend, find out what supplies they will need and what will need to be packed. Preparing in advance will save a whole bunch of last-minute scrambling stress.

Summer Job

 Research Summer Job Options for Teens. Kids don’t have to spend the whole summer working but a part-time job can be invaluable to preparing young adults for real-world experiences. A great idea is to make a deal where they can have a percentage of their earnings to spend on themselves while putting the rest aside for their future. Businesses are hiring like never before and there are jobs available in every industry. Give them some options and help them fill out applications so they can land a job they will enjoy.

Report Card

Know Where your Kid’s Grades Currently Stand. Don’t wait for final report cards to find out how they are doing in school. Being tuned in to where your kids stand academically now can allow you to help them focus on the areas they may need additional work on, as well as determine if a tutor may need to be hired during the summer to help them strengthen the weaker areas.

Thanks to teacher

Prepare for Goodbyes. Even with the excitement of summer vacation, there can be some anxiety for children who have to say goodbye to friends and mentors for a few months. Teachers worked extra hard this year and had several challenges to overcome. Have your child write them a thank you note showing appreciation for all they do and communicate to them that they’d like to stay in touch. To stay connected with friends, create a chat room where parents can coordinate summer get-togethers over the summer so everyone can see each other.

Plan Ahead

Think about next year. Yes, it’s a good idea to start planning the next school year now especially if there will be changes like moving to a new building or going back to in-person learning from virtual. Gather information so you can use the summer break to pre-prepare. When mid-August hits, you’ll be happy you did.

How do you prepare for summer break? Share with us here or on our Facebook page!

15 Summer Boredom Busters for Kids

15 Summer Boredom Busters for Kids

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“I’m bored!” says every child three days into their summer vacation. While it’s not our job as parents to be cruise directors, here we offer alternatives to the default response of “Go outside and play!” Unlike elaborate Pinterest-inspired activities, we tried to keep this list to activities that most children could do without too much adult intervention. Of course, please use your best judgement when selecting activities that are both safe and age appropriate for your kiddos!

Screen-Free Summer Activities for Kids

1. Water Balloon Fight

Why a water balloon fight vs. a squirt gun fight? Time! The kids will have a blast filling and making the balloons… which also incidentally kills more time. If you’re worried about clean up and the environment, know that you can find biodegradable water balloons — 500 for less than $10!

2. Sidewalk Chalk Obstacle Course

Have your kids devise an “obstacle course” with sidewalk chalk. It could be one that they skip, hop, and jump through or use with their bikes, trikes, or scooters. This activity is a great way to get them to use their imagination and get some exercise!

3. Sprinkler Fun!

Sprinklers are a classic summer boredom buster for kids! A great alternative to splashing in a pool, running through a sprinkler will amuse your kids for hours, especially when you combine the activity with others like water balloons and squirt guns. Inexpensive and quick to set up, apart from supervision, this activity takes minimal effort.

4. Sun Tea

Sun tea is a quick and easy activity that is especially amusing for the younger set. Select a tea with a vibrant color, preferably a fruit tea, like passionfruit, peach, or mango. Place several of the bags in a large, clear, glass pitcher or mason jar for a big batch. Fill it up with water and set it in the sun to “brew.” After an hour of playing, the kids will return to find a brightly colored pitcher of tea waiting for them — made by the sun!

5. Plant and Bird Identification

Plant identification is a great activity for younger children who are excited about reading and science. Give them a plant or bird guide that is specific to their region and encourage them to find and identify different birds, flowers, shrubs, or trees in either their backyard or a local park. Increase the “science” factor by giving them magnifying glasses or binoculars to examine their finds with more detail!

Summer Boredom Busters for Kids

Can’t go camping without the right gear! We love these matching Lazy One flapjacks!

6. Backyard Camping

Can’t drive out to the wilderness for the weekend? Camp in the backyard! Have the kids set up a tent, wear their favorite pajamas, and sleep outside in the great outdoors. Even if they’re not keen on spending the night outside, they’ll have a blast pretending to camp all day long. Perfect for kids who enjoy imaginative play.

7. Nerf Blaster Target Practice

If your kids love Nerf blasters, set up “target practice” outside. Give them plastic cups to stack and knock over. Another option is to have them draw and hang paper targets. If they’re of the age where they enjoy competition, encourage them to keep score and practice their math skills while they’re at it!

8. Dominoes

Another old school rainy day classic, find dominoes and teach your kids how to set up trails of falling dominoes. Look at YouTube videos of dominoes falling to get inspiration for epic examples of what people have created. Take videos of the final result and maybe post it on the web for other domino enthusiasts to enjoy!

9. Make Popsicles

Popsicle molds are pretty common these days and can purchased on Amazon or in stores like Target or Walmart. While there are a lot of “recipes” for popsicles that involve fresh fruit and a blender, simplify the activity by purchasing an armful of fruit juices. Have kids combine their favorite juices into fun new flavors!

10. Crayon Rubbings

Send your kids outside with pad of paper and a box of crayons. Show them how they can make “rubbings” of their favorite leaves and flowers to create fun and original artwork. Simply place the leave under a piece of paper and lightly add pressure with the crayon to create an imprint of what is beneath. Works best when you take the wrapping off the crayon and rub lengthwise.

11. No-Bake Baking

It’s too hot outside to turn on the oven! Search the web for “no-bake desserts.” Since these recipes don’t involve an oven, they’re often easier for younger children to make from start to finish. Great for building kitchen skills and confidence!

12. Make Collages

Drawing, coloring, and painting are a great way to pass the time. If you have a lot of magazines and junk mail, give the kids some age-appropriate scissors (or help them cut!) and encourage them to enhance their artwork by collaging.

13. Squirt Gun Painting

Using squirt guns, water, and food coloring, your kids can make paintings outside. Set up large pads of paper at a distance and fill various water guns with different colored water. Let them fire away and create!

14. Water Xylophone

Fill several tall glasses with various amounts of water. Using a spoon, tap each glass. Show your kids how filling the glasses with more or less water creates a different sound. This is a fun way to experiment with music in your kitchen!

Summer Boredom Busters for Kids

This goldfish pajama set from Munki Munki is perfect for playing in pillow fort!

15. Living Room Fort

In many regions, summer has no shortage of rainy days! When your kids are trapped inside, let them build the living room fort of their dreams: no chairs, bedding, or pillows are off-limits! They’ll have a blast building the cozy castle of their dreams. Later that night, host a family pajama party in their “new home inside of home.”

For more ideas for summer family fun, visit The Pajama Company at our blog, thepajamacompany.com/blog.

How to Travel with Your Dog

How to Plan a Summer Getaway with Your Dog

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Jetsetting is great for our health! In fact, getaways have many of the same health benefits as doing Sudoku and crossword puzzles. When we travel our brain is actively engaged, taking in all the new sights and sounds. While our brains our active, our bodies remain relaxed because they are physically removed from potentially stressful environments and routines. The result is more brain power and reduced blood pressure.

Everyone enjoys breaking their routine and getting out of town for the weekend — including your pup. This summer, pack him up and hit the open road together! If you think that traveling with your dog would be a huge hassle, you’d be wrong. More and more businesses are updating their policies to include the most loyal member of the family. Here’s how to plan the perfect weekend getaway with your best friend.

Puppy Love: Tips for Traveling with Your Dog

1. Pre-book dog-friendly accommodations.

When you’re traveling with your pooch, you don’t have to limit yourself to campgrounds or make the little guy to sleep in the car. Nowadays, virtually every hotel chain has a pet policy. Many hotels, like Marriott for example, will charge a small fee — $50 to $100 — to let your dog crash in the room with you. Before booking, call ahead to double-check to make sure that your buddy is welcome. Snuggle up in your favorite pajamas and let him sleep at the foot of your bed in the lap of luxury!

2. Make sure he has space to rest.

Some people are the “backpack and go!” travelers and others are the “everything but the kitchen sink” type. Whichever end of the spectrum you’re on, remember to make sure that your dog has plenty of space to stand up or lay down especially during a long car ride. Secure stacked baggage with bungee cords, to ensure Fido doesn’t get smooshed! An uncomfortable pup is an unhappy travel companion. So roll that window down and let him enjoy the ride!

3. Prepare for frequent stops.

You and your dog both need to stop and stretch your legs during a longer trip. Stop at least once for every two hours of driving. Whether it’s a pee break, a snack break, or a stop to briefly stretch your legs, getting to stand on solid ground will prevent your dog from getting stressed in the car. Bring plenty of water and let your dog take a drink during these breaks so he can stay happy, healthy, and hydrated!

Dog Pajamas, PJ Salvage, Traveling with Dogs

Unwind in this fun ‘Life’s Ruff’ pajama set from PJ Salvage.

4. Don’t forget his favorite kibble!

When you’re packing, bring his favorite brand of dog food along with you. While it would be easy to pick up a bag at your destination, you want to stay consistent with his feedings. Traveling in a car and staying in a hotel is not the optimal time for puppy tummy troubles… and you could wind up spending your days scrubbing car and hotel carpets instead of enjoying the great outdoors!

5. Research pet-friendly activities in advance.

Flying by the seat of your pants is a fun way travel, but when you have a pooch — especially if you’re driving to a more urban environment — you’re going to want to plan ahead. Run a quick search of hikes, parks, beaches, tours, and restaurants that will your dog participate. You don’t have to bring him everywhere, but it’s nice to know that you have options if you think he’s spending too much time lounging all day in a king-sized hotel bed (poor baby).

For more ideas for how to have fun with your buddy this summer, visit The Pajama Company at our blog, thepajamacompany.com/blog.